Gale Irene Fortney

Gale Irene Fortney of Linden passed away peacefully on Monday July 13, 2026.

Gale was born in Flint Michigan on 10-24-1951 to parents Bill DeBolt and Irene (Mattson) DeBolt. She attended elementary school in the City of Flint before the family moved to Grand Blanc. She graduated from high school in 1969 and married her high school sweetheart Darrell Fortney. They moved to Stages Island in Linden in the early 1970’s and started a family. Gale had two children, Justin Fortney and Sadie (Fortney) Shepard.

Gale was a master seamstress who over the course of her career worked on automotive interiors, hot air balloons and marine boat seats. She remained in the Linden and Argentine area throughout her life, and finished out her working years at VG’s in Fenton. Gale enjoyed spending time with family and especially her two granddaughters Sidney and Abby. Gale could often be spotted on the sidelines rooting them on through all seasons and weather. She never missed a meet or soccer game whether home or away.

Gale enjoyed living on Broad Street next to her daughter Sadie, son-in-law Mike, and her granddaughters. She loved the local parades, trick or treating, and going to the Linden Library. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Irene; brothers, Dennis and Gary DeBolt; sister, Vicki (DeBolt) Phillips; sister-in-law, Karen DeBolt and son, Justin Fortney. She is survived by her daughter, Sadie (Mike) Shepard; granddaughters, Sidney and Abigail Shepard; brothers, Randy (Judy) and Myron Debolt; brother-in-law, Doug Phillips. Gale will be missed by all who knew and loved her, including several nieces/nephews, family and lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be held 12 PM Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St., Linden. Visitation will be held from 11AM until the time of service.